Arusha National Park

Discover Tarangire National Park with Royal Passage Safaris. Experience giant elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, incredible wildlife, birdwatching, and unforgettable Tanzania safari adventures.

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Discover the Wild Beauty of Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park Safari

Welcome to Arusha National Park, one of Tanzania’s most scenic and diverse wildlife destinations and an excellent introduction to the country’s legendary Northern Safari Circuit.

Located a short drive from Arusha city, this beautiful national park combines dramatic landscapes, wildlife, lush montane forests, volcanic scenery and the spectacular presence of Mount Meru. Within the park, you can explore the tranquil Momella Lakes, admire the dramatic Ngurdoto Crater, search for wildlife on a game drive, enjoy a guided walking experience or simply take in the breathtaking mountain scenery.

At Royal Passage Safaris, we create unforgettable Arusha National Park safaris for travelers who want to experience Tanzania beyond the famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Whether you have one day available before or after your main safari or want to include Arusha National Park as part of a longer Northern Tanzania itinerary, our expert local team will help you experience the park at its best.

Why Visit Arusha National Park?

Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most diverse protected areas. Although relatively compact, the park offers an impressive variety of landscapes, from open grasslands and acacia woodland to lush montane forests, crater scenery and beautiful lakes.

The park is particularly appealing to travelers who want a combination of wildlife, scenery and active experiences. It is also an excellent destination for travelers with limited time, as its proximity to Arusha makes it convenient for a day safari or a short excursion.

The park’s landscapes are dominated by three major attractions: Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella Lakes. Together, they create a unique safari experience that is very different from the vast plains of the Serengeti.

Top Attractions in Arusha National Park

Mount Meru

Rising to approximately 4,566 metres, Mount Meru is the dramatic centerpiece of the park and one of Tanzania’s most impressive mountains.

For adventurous travelers, climbing Mount Meru offers an incredible multi-day trekking experience through changing ecosystems and spectacular mountain landscapes. The mountain is also an excellent option for travelers looking for a quieter alternative to Kilimanjaro trekking or an acclimatization experience before attempting Kilimanjaro.

Even if you are not climbing the mountain, its towering presence creates a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing and photography throughout the park.

Momella Lakes

The beautiful Momella Lakes are among the most picturesque attractions in Arusha National Park.

The lakes and surrounding wetlands attract a variety of waterbirds, including flamingos, making this area particularly rewarding for birdwatchers and photographers. The peaceful landscapes around the lakes also provide opportunities to see wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and waterbuck.

Depending on your safari itinerary, you may also have the opportunity to enjoy a canoeing

Ngurdoto Crater

Known for its dramatic volcanic landscape, Ngurdoto Crater is one of the park’s most fascinating natural features.

The crater is surrounded by steep forested walls and contains a marshy floor where wildlife can often be observed. Buffaloes and warthogs are among the animals associated with the crater area, while the surrounding forest provides habitat for primates and a variety of bird species.

The viewpoint overlooking the crater offers spectacular photographic opportunities and is an excellent addition to an Arusha National Park safari.

Wildlife in Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park offers an exciting variety of wildlife encounters within a relatively compact area.

During your safari, you may have opportunities to see:

  • Giraffes
  • Cape buffaloes
  • Zebras
  • Warthogs
  • Waterbuck
  • Bushbuck
  • Dik-dik
  • Elephants
  • Blue monkeys
  • Black-and-white colobus monkeys
  • A variety of bird species

The park is particularly well known for its beautiful giraffes and primates, especially the striking black-and-white colobus monkeys that can be encountered in the forested areas.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, as animals move freely through their natural habitat, but the diversity of ecosystems makes every game drive a rewarding exploration.